Engaging gravity

A few days ago, we saw that Rei's nociceptors became active just a few minutes after his spine was repaired by "Dr. MINIMCOM" and yesterday, we could see that motor function was returning. However all of this means nothing if Rei cannot get up and walk. And he can't walk without gravity, well at least without magnetic boots. Some MINIMCOM decided he'd gradually turn on the ship's artificial gravity to see how Rei holds up:

     The livetar unbuckled Rei and carefully maneuvered him around so that he was perfectly vertical. The livetar pressed down on Rei’s shoulders ever so gently until Rei’s feet were flush against the floor of the cargo compartment. MINIMCOM waved to Rome and Russell. They came over and each put one hand on Rei’s shoulders to keep him in place. Rome pressed her hand against Rei’s chest. Dr. Montrell pressed his hand gently against Rei’s upper back so that he stayed in one position vertically.
     “I will now begin to engage the artificial gravity,” MINIMCOM announced. “We will increase it in small increments and see how Rei tolerates it. Rei, are you ready?”
     “Absolutely,” Rei said. He lifted his arms and placed one across Rome’s shoulders and the other across Russell’s shoulders. “Let’s do it.”
     “Very well,” MINIMCOM said. “One-tenth g.” In the background, they could hear the gentle whirring of the magnetic shields drawing back and the superconducting magnets coming up to speed.
     Rome could feel her body pressing ever so gently into her boots. She looked at Rei’s face as he stared down at his own feet. They flattened slightly. Rei looked up and nodded. “More,” he said.
     “Very well,” MINIMCOM said. “One third g.”
     This time, the increase in gravity was noticeable. Rei’s knees bent slightly but then he straightened up again.
     “Any pain?” MINIMCOM asked.
     “None,” Rei said. “I’m ready for the full load.” He waved his hand in a circular motion trying to encourage the livetar.
     “Rei, we should take our time,” Rome cautioned. “There is no need to hurry.”
     Rei sighed. “You’re right,” he said. “No sense in taking chances. OK, MINIMCOM, just bump it to one-half g.”
     “Very well,” MINIMCOM replied. As the gravity increased, Rome could really feel Rei’s arm across her shoulders now. Rei’s knees did not change at all.
     Rei nodded. “More,” he said. This time it wasn’t a question.
     “Three-quarters g,” MINIMCOM announced. As soon as the gravity increased, Rei’s knees began to buckle.

Uh-oh. Rei needs to be able to stand under full gravity to return to the planet. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Meanwhile, below you can check out my brother Bruce's vision of Rei getting off the table. As before, MINIMCOM is missing his cape because it would have blocked the image. Also, Bruce made Russell Montrell bald. He kind of reminds me of Mr. Clean. Finally, this is the closest you will ever get to seeing Rome's face until we get the Netflix series made. (P.S. You can click on the image to see the full size frame)